Resources / Your own affairs
Getting your affairs in order: a checklist
A once-through list of what to put in place so your household is organized and your family is not left guessing. Do it a section at a time, over a few evenings.
Legal
- Will (signed, and where it is kept)
- Durable power of attorney
- Healthcare directive / living will
- Beneficiary designations reviewed
- Trust, if you have one
Money
- Bank and investment accounts listed
- Retirement accounts and pensions
- Debts, loans, and credit cards
- Income sources
- Where tax records are kept
Insurance and property
- Life, health, home, and auto policies
- Property deeds and mortgage papers
- Vehicle titles
- Safe or safe-deposit box, and who can open it
People and access
- Executor and a backup named
- Emergency contacts
- Accountant, advisor, attorney
- Passwords and digital accounts
- A note saying where everything is kept
Three documents cover the most ground. A will, a durable power of attorney, and a healthcare directive. If you do nothing else this month, do these three. Everything below makes them easier to act on.
Printed and kept where you will see it, this does its job. If you would rather it live somewhere your whole family can reach, that is what MyLifePapers is for.
Common questions
How often should I update this?
Once a year is plenty for most households, plus any time something big changes: a move, a marriage or divorce, a new child or grandchild, a new account, or a death in the family. The point is that the record stays current, not that it is perfect.
Written for families, not lawyers. This is general guidance, not legal advice.
All checklists